CHAIRMAN S REPORT
Since September 11 and throughout
2002, we were reminded of the threat
of terrorism - rising medical costs, a
huge federal budget deficit, and many
other troubles. On top of all that, we
begin 2003, the new year, teetering on
the brink of another war with Iraq.
For these and other reasons, it’s
been a year of uncertainty and an
uncertain future. But the 25th
Restoration anniversary, which we
celebrated on Nov. 16, was a fitting way
to remember and say farewell to the past
and despite the uncertainties, to greet
the New Year - the new era - with
confidence. In the 25 years since we
were restored, it was undoubtedly the
largest Restoration gathering we’ve
had. Everyone seemed to sense the
special significance of that day.
Our wonderful Restoration speakers,
former Gov. Vic Atiyeh and Rudy
Clements, reminded us of the inner
Chairman Delores Pigsley
strength with which the Siletz people
have dealt with adversity throughout
our history. They spoke of what we have
accomplished since Restoration and
their confidence in our ability to continue
the process of growth.
To the editor:
My name is Maria Godines. I am the outreach liaison for National FSA
American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative, which is a cooperative agreement
between the National Tribal Development Association (NTDA) and the Farm
Service Agency (FSA). This program first began among the tribes of Montana
and proved to be very successful. Based on the success in Montana, the outreach
program has expanded to other states.
As an outreach liaison, I’m ready to assist potential American Indian borrowers
in the development of a complete loan package. I serve the state of Oregon; my
duty is to ensure American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth have access to the
full range of FSA credit opportunities.
Currently, six types of loans are available:
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Direct Farm Operating Loans
♦ Direct Farm Ownership Loans
Guaranteed Farm Operating Loans ♦ Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loans
Rural Youth Loans (not limited to farming/ranching/agriculture)
The ultimate goal of this project is to establish a cooperative working
relationship with the local FSA service providers to guarantee adequate resources
are accessible to American Indian farmers, as well as future generations of
American Indian agriculture producers.
This program helps borrowers in the following ways: by providing trained
outreach liaisons who will help during the FSA loan process; by providing the
borrower with up-to-date information about the availability of FSA agriculture credit
programs; by offering on-on-one credit application preparation assistance; by
accompanying the potential borrower to the FSA county office to help facilitate
communication; by bridging those cultural barriers that exist between American Indian
borrowers and the FSA; and by providing on-site presentations to schools and other
youth organizations about the availability of the FSA Rural Youth Loan Program.
Please contact me at the address below to schedule a presentation or if you
have any questions. Thank you.
Maria Godines, Outreach Liaison
P.O. Box 426
Phone: 541-553-0101
1107 Vernon Jackson Ave.
Fax: 541-553-0102
Warm Springs, OR 97761
E-mail: maiia@indiancreditoutreach.com
We should be thankful that our
governmental institutions, including
our Constitution, have withstood the
test of time. Our tribal elections have
encountered some problems. The
election results have even been
challenged in Tribal Court, which is not
unlike a lot of other tribes or, for that
matter, state, federal, and local
governments. But through it all, our
tribal institutions have seen us through
whatever challenges we have faced.
Nonetheless, the Election Board’s job
has not been easy. It’s generally
considered a difficult and thankless job
that very few want to tackle.
For the upcoming General Election,
however, the Tribal Council was
fortunate in recruiting Dan Van Otten
to serve as election director. Dan
comes to us with superb credentials.
Although he has never before served in
this particular capacity, he’s a person
of impeccable integrity, ability, and
wisdom, and we’re confident he will do
the job well.
Dan recently retired from the
Department of Planning, Public Policy,
and Management as associate professor
at the University of Oregon. Prior to
that, he was a manager with the Oregon
Housing and Community Services
Department. He served for a number of
years as an evaluator for federal grant
proposals for the U.S. Department of
Human Services’ Administration for
Native Americans.
Dan is no stranger to the Siletz
Tribe, having served as our consultant
on a number of important tribal
projects. We are fortunate that Dan is
available and willing to serve as the
tribe’s election director.
Siletz School Closure
On another matter, the Lincoln
County School District office recently
announced that Siletz School, which
has served Siletz and the surrounding
community for many years, has been
targeted for closure. This was a
devastating blow to the Siletz Tribe.
To address a situation that would
be extremely damaging to our
community and our children’s future,
the Tribal Council and Education staff
enlisted the assistance of Van Peters to
help plan for a charter school.
Van is a professional educator,
having served as the area director of
Education for the Bureau of Indian
Affairs for many years. He’s
knowledgeable about charter schools,
certification requirements, funding
sources, and of putting together a viable
curriculum and budget. With his
educational expertise, Van will be
indispensable in helping us implement
a plan for a Siletz charter school.
Time Cover Story
Finally, in addition to the many
problems I mentioned when I began this
column, we continue to face anti-Indian
forces intent on undermining tribal
self-determination and sovereignty. A
glaring example is the extremely
damaging article about Indian gaming
that appeared in Time magazine dated
Dec. 16. It’s a cover story to which
Time devoted 13 pages. It’s the first part
of a two-part series, full of misleading
half-truths and distorted information
intended, I’m afraid, to do away with
Indian gaming, for starters.
The National Indian Gaming
Association, the National Congress of
American Indians, tribes across
the country, the Siletz Tribe, and our
non-Indian friends will respond
appropriately. Hopefully, so will you.
To the editor:
I just want to take a little time to thank my mother, Martha Case (Moody),
and Joe to let them know how much I love them and thank them for always being
there when we need them. The universe isn’t big enough to show how much we
love you both.
I also would like to thank my big sister, Loraine, and Lavonne, my little sister,
for getting my grandchildren X-mas presents this year. The universe isn’t big
enough to show how much we love you both also.
Spudnic, Robert, Jacob Holmes, Sage Butler, Alan Kentta, and all our brothers
and sisters who are locked up - remember, all of you who pray for our family, a
great big hugs and kisses.
Love, The Butlers - Laverne, Bird, Levi, Sophia, Salinna, Sabrina, Poopie
Nana, Secilia, Boo, Tiny Bear, and Baby Freedom
January 2003 □
Siletz News
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